Williams climbing to top of UNI throw charts

CEDAR FALLS - It didn't take long for Jordan Williams to start climbing the “all time” lists on the University of Northern Iowa track and field team.

A former Monticello prep, Williams will be competing Wednesday at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Des Moines after a season-best discus toss of 192 feet, 1 inch at the NCAA West Regionals. Prelims and finals start at 2:30 p.m.

Williams earned all-Missouri Valley Conference honors as a freshman, but started climbing onto the Panthers' top performance lists as a sophomore. He finished second in the MVC indoor weight throw and fifth in the shot put. He won the outdoor discus title and by the end of the season ranked fourth in UNI history in the discus, fifth in the weight and hammer throws.

“He's improved tons in the weight room, getting stronger and bigger,” said UNI throwing coach Dan O'Mara. “His improvements in his technique have helped him consistently throw over 55-60 meters (in the discus).”

Williams placed fourth in the MVC indoor shot put this season with a personal-best throw of 57-0 3/4 and seventh in the weight throw. He won his second outdoor discus title and placed third in the shot put, ninth in the hammer.

“Our expectations going into (last year) was first take regionals, and if we can get to finals, great,” O'Mara said. “This year was a little bit different. Our expectation was to get to regionals and then make it to nationals.”

Williams is just the second UNI throw to put the shot more than 60 feet.

Next year could be even better, O'Mara said.

“I think he has the capability to come back a little stronger with a little better technique, and I think he can contend for a national title in the discus,” he said.